← Back to House of Commons Debates
Israel and Gaza
19 March 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 62
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about israel and gaza in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister stated that Israel suffered the worst terrorist attack in its history on October 7th, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Over 1.7 million people have been displaced and there is an imminent risk of famine due to ongoing conflict and disease spread. The UK has increased aid funding to the Occupied Palestinian Territories by tripling it to nearly £100 million, with £70 million allocated as humanitarian assistance. On March 13th, over 150 tonnes of UK aid arrived in Gaza including tents, blankets, shelter kits, and medical supplies such as a field hospital from Manchester. The Minister emphasised the need for Israel to open more land crossings for aid delivery and called for an immediate humanitarian pause towards a sustainable ceasefire.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Asked about famine in Gaza, the number of trucks entering Gaza, compliance with ICJ orders, and preventing an offensive against Rafah. Emphasised that fighting must stop for a humanitarian crisis resolution.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the risk of famine but highlighted efforts to mitigate it through aid. Reported 192 trucks entered on Sunday compared to averages in March (165) and February (97). Noted ICJ judgment is binding, warned against offensive at Rafah due to humanitarian consequences, and stated both Labour Front Bench and Government are calling for an immediate pause followed by a sustainable ceasefire.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Expressed gratitude for the Minister's representations in Jerusalem during Ramadan. Asked to push harder on truck entry from Jordan and when the House will be updated on Israel’s commitment to international humanitarian law.
Minister reply
Passed comments about colleague Lord Ahmad to him and stated legal processes regarding international humanitarian law are ongoing, with updates forthcoming once ready.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
The MP criticises the Israeli decision to prevent food from reaching Gaza, stating that the people are being starved rather than starving due to a shortage of food. He asks if the Minister acknowledges this situation as a war crime.
Minister reply
The minister affirms that aid delivery is crucial and explains the government's efforts in enhancing road routes into Gaza with Jordan's assistance.
Question
Inquires about progress on hostage release negotiations, as these are a key part of resolving the conflict.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that hostage release and aid delivery are twin objectives. He mentions ongoing negotiations in Qatar.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Question
Asks if the Minister can rule out UK parts being used in the bombing of a medical compound.
Minister reply
The minister states that there must be a full and transparent inquiry into such events.
Question
Questions whether Israel has the right to defend itself against hostage-takers, despite Hamas's actions.
Minister reply
The minister affirms that Israel retains the right to self-defence in accordance with international law.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Calls for an immediate ceasefire and asks if Britain will change its vote at the Security Council.
Minister reply
The minister explains that while a ceasefire sounds ideal, practical deliverability is lacking due to both sides' unwillingness.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Asks if the Israeli Government's obstruction of aid amounts to a breach of international law.
Minister reply
The minister disagrees with the premise that such judgment can be made but affirms Britain’s efforts in aiding Gaza.
Question
Reiterates calls for immediate action against Israel's military assault and demands a ceasefire.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the severity of famine conditions while affirming ongoing efforts to provide aid.
Question
Highlights Hamas’s misappropriation of humanitarian aid, asking if the Minister shares his concern about this issue.
Minister reply
The minister agrees that Hamas is using civilians as human shields and condemns their actions.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
Calls for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted aid, urging the Minister to listen to international communities.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates that while a ceasefire sounds good, practical steps are being taken to deliver more food and support.
Question
Inquires about assurances regarding the floating pier for humanitarian aid delivery.
Minister reply
The minister confirms strong support for all mechanisms of aid delivery but emphasises land routes as best.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
Does the Minister agree that starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime?
Minister reply
The Government are intent on ensuring more food and support get into Gaza rapidly. Every mechanism to transport aid must be explored.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Question
We must think of this like the Berlin airlift and get aid in by sea and airdrops if trucks are not possible.
Minister reply
Agrees that every mechanism should be explored but notes real difficulties with air drops, maritime entry, misappropriation and dangers to those below.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
What will it take for this Government to stand with international humanitarian law and oppose the actions of the Israeli military?
Minister reply
Israel must do more: an immediate humanitarian pause, increased capacity for aid distribution inside Gaza, expanded types of humanitarian assistance allowed into Gaza.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Question
What support can this country provide to the Egyptians on delivering aid and averting a potential humanitarian crisis?
Minister reply
Met the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent and we are in close contact to enhance their efforts.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Question
What would it take for this Government to follow the example set by Mrs Thatcher and Tony Blair?
Minister reply
Israel is a pluralist democracy with differing views. Proper due processes regarding arms sales are followed.
Flick Drummond
Lib Dem
Stroud
Question
Will the UK align with other countries by restoring funding to UNRWA?
Minister reply
Looking forward to a report from Catherine Colonna tomorrow which may provide a roadmap for restored funding.
Arfon
Question
Will the UK Government take a decision on resuming funding as soon as possible, and at least before the end of this month?
Minister reply
A decision will be taken as soon as it is possible to do so.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Are we likely to see another 30,000 civilians killed so that Israel can find Hamas terrorists hiding among the civilian population?
Minister reply
No one wants to see such an outcome. Calls for a humanitarian pause and sustainable ceasefire.
Kim Leadbeater
Lab
Spen Valley
Question
Does the Minister agree that all available aid corridors must be opened without delay and there must be an immediate ceasefire?
Minister reply
Agrees but notes calling for an immediate ceasefire is not practical. Calls for a humanitarian pause.
Sara Britcliffe
Lab
Bradford West
Question
How is work going on with international partners to make clear concerns about further military operations in Rafah?
Minister reply
Presses the release of hostages and warns against any military operation due to humanitarian consequences.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
I have no problem condemning Hamas, but I also have no problem condemning the use of starvation as an act of war. Israel has control on the ground in Gaza—enough to oversee the distribution of aid and to make sure it gets to the people who need it most. Do the Government agree that Israel, as the occupying force, has a legal duty to oversee the distribution of that aid?
Minister reply
The important point about the distribution of aid is that it should be able to get into Gaza, preferably through road and land routes. Although the amounts are increasing, they do not come anywhere near the numbers before 7 October. The Government are doing everything they can to augment those figures.
Question
We all want to see a ceasefire that is sustainable and holds out the prospect of a lasting peace. But the very definition of the word “ceasefire” means that both sides have to agree to end hostilities. Does my right hon. Friend agree that anyone calling for an immediate ceasefire needs to make it clear that that must include Hamas releasing the hostages, ceasing all hostilities and committing to a future peace?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct in what he says, but the important point is that in order to have a ceasefire we have to have agreement from those taking part in these actions that they will abide by a ceasefire. Israel has the right of self-defence and Hamas have made it clear that they wish to repeat those awful acts.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Question
Three standout statements from today have been that starvation is being used as a weapon of war; Israel is provoking famine; and the UK is still selling arms to Israel. When will the Minister understand the damning nature of this and the damage it is doing to the UK’s international reputation—or, rather, what is left of it?
Minister reply
We have been clear that Israel has the right of self-defence but it must abide by international humanitarian law and the rules of war. Britain is one of the leading nations on finding ways to get aid into Gaza and helping our allies and other regional powers to do everything we can to get the hostages out.
Question
I welcome the recent news that the UK will be sending a UK Aid field hospital to Gaza. What assurances have been sought and what assurances have been given in respect of sufficient force protection for all the staff there, some of whom may be British?
Minister reply
We are acutely conscious of the way in which humanitarian workers put themselves, unarmed, in harm’s way for the sake of their fellow human beings. A field hospital provided by UK Aid funding to UK-Med arrived in Gaza from Manchester last Friday and is staffed by UK and local medics who will be able to treat more than 100 patients a day.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
To any reasonable and informed observer, the conduct of the war in Gaza by Israel contravenes basic international humanitarian law. More than 100,000 Palestinians have now been killed or injured by Israeli forces in Gaza since last October. The Minister relies on Israel being a democracy that is capable of abiding by its legal obligations, but what legal advice has he received about the complicity of and dangers to our country in failing to take sufficient action under the relevant treaties?
Minister reply
We continue to assess Israel’s commitment and capability to comply with international humanitarian law. We take into account evidence from charities, NGOs, international bodies, partner countries, statements by the Israeli Government, their track record of compliance, and the embedded lawyers in IDF units.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I welcome reports that Israel is opening new routes to directly deliver humanitarian aid into northern Gaza amid a slowdown in UN operations. Significantly, at the same time, every day the IDF documents more and more Hamas infrastructure, weapons and missiles within civilian buildings—this week at al-Shifa Hospital and last month underneath UNRWA’s own headquarters. So is the grim reality not that as long as Hamas remain in control of Gaza, no matter how many times people cry for a ceasefire, there can be no peace?
Minister reply
As my hon. Friend sets out, it is clear that there is no place for Hamas in any future for Gaza. What happened on 7 October is uniquely appalling and I agree with him that until Hamas are removed from Gaza, the opportunity of peace is very limited.
Question
The UN’s special rapporteur has been crystal clear that arms sales to Israel for use in Gaza are unlawful. Yet the Government have consistently refused to disclose whether licences, for example, for F-35 fighter planes, have been reviewed, let alone amended. Will the Minister take the opportunity finally to give Parliament a straight answer on this?
Minister reply
The matters are kept under review through a detailed, proper, legally governed, code-governed process and that is what the Government are doing.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Question
As we debate this topic, children are starving to death in Gaza. Babies are so malnourished that UNICEF says they do not have the energy to cry. Famine is happening, according to the head of Refugees International. This is intentional; Israel blocks food from entering Gaza while bombing the people trapped inside. Will the Minister finally admit that officials have warned him that Israel is breaking international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
The right thing is to do everything we possibly can to get the hostages out, support the people whom she so eloquently describes, and get support into Gaza, which is what the Government are seeking to do.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Question
Every month in Hammersmith, we hold “Ukrainian open house” to bring together all those supporting Ukrainian families who have fled that war. Every month, I am asked why there are not similar visa schemes to allow Palestinians to join their relatives in the UK, or to be hosted by families who wish to give them refuge here. What is the Government’s answer to that?
Minister reply
The Government’s answer is that the two positions are not analogous; they are very, very different. We are doing everything we can to help individual cases in both instances.
Question
Save the Children has reported that 1.1 million people across Gaza are facing catastrophic food insecurity at the hands of Israel, with one in three children acutely malnourished. Does the Minister agree that Israel’s tactic of starving the Palestinian people is a war crime?
Minister reply
We are doing all we can to make sure that the necessary food and resources get into Gaza.
Question
The UK supplies approximately 15% of the components used in F-35 stealth bombers currently being deployed in Gaza. Earlier this month, a Dutch court ordered the country’s Government to block all exports of F-35 parts to Israel after concerns that they were being used, in violation of international law, during the ongoing war in Gaza. Will the Minister commit today to suspending the supply of F-35 components?
Minister reply
These decisions are not made at the whim of a Minister standing at the Dispatch Box; they are made through a proper legal and coded practice.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Canada, Australia, Sweden and the European Union have restored funding to UNWRA. Will the Minister commit to restarting and increasing this funding given the catastrophic situation in Gaza?
Minister reply
Britain has increased its funding significantly, including to UNRWA. The UK is not due to provide further money until April, but will read Catherine Colonna’s interim report with care.
Question
Who is the Government holding responsible for blocking aid in Gaza? What is their response to the UN Secretary-General's comments on famine?
Minister reply
Britain is pursuing all opportunities to get more aid into Gaza, including agreements with Israel. The IPC report confirms that famine is a very real scenario.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
The need for an arms embargo in Israel was laid out by the International Court of Justice; what action will Ministers take to stop arms sales and end the violence against innocent Palestinians?
Minister reply
The UK has the toughest regulatory regime for arms sales. The Government have no intention of varying from this process. They are committed to getting more aid into Gaza.
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Will the Minister demand that the Israeli Government provide access to detention centres for humanitarian investigations?
Minister reply
Britain has consistently called for an inquiry into alleged abuses. The treatment of detainees is governed by international humanitarian law.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Will the Minister publish every assessment made by his Department on Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law?
Minister reply
When we receive advice on international humanitarian law, we look at it extremely carefully. When Law Officers make judgments, they come to the House and update.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Does the Minister accept that illegal Israeli settlement in the west bank is a barrier to peace? Will the UK sanction Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich for promoting an extremist agenda?
Minister reply
Britain has consistently condemned settler violence. Four settlers have been sanctioned, and we consider settlements and acts illegal.
Question
What are the consequences if the UK’s standing on international humanitarian law is to be worth anything around the world?
Minister reply
Britain is doing everything possible to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including setting out various ways to bring about an end to starvation figures.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
What is Britain doing to ensure that Israel and other parties hold to the rule of international law?
Minister reply
Britain is showing real leadership in trying to address the humanitarian situation and ensuring successful hostage negotiations. Along with allies, Britain will continue to do everything possible.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Glasgow North West
Question
The Minister spoke of the detailed evidence that his Government are relying on, but the world’s media are prevented from reporting inside Gaza almost entirely. If we saw the daily reality of life there in more detail, I suspect the international pressure on Israel would be even stronger. What are the UK Government doing to ensure that any deliberate targeting of journalists—particularly Palestinian journalists—who are protected under international humanitarian law, is being passed on to the International Criminal Court for its investigation into war crimes?
Minister reply
As I have set out, in the IDF—as in the British military—the issue of targeting is, unusually, governed by legal advice. Lawyers are embedded with the people who are making those decisions. In respect of the media, any such targeting would be absolutely outrageous. I pay tribute to the brave journalists who are ensuring that accurate reporting comes back from Gaza and the middle east.
Khalid Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham Perry Barr
Question
I want to make it clear that I have opposed Hamas since 2007, I deplore the action taken on 7 October, and I totally believe that the hostages on both sides must be released. However, I agree with the Minister that the Israeli blockade is leading to famine and to death and displacement. Young children are dying of malnutrition and hunger. He says continually that the two sides will not sit down together. Why, then, does he not put a Security Council resolution to the United Nations to ensure that something is done on an international level, such as putting in a peacekeeping force to deal with the issue and allow people to continue normal lives?
Minister reply
The House will understand that the issue of a policing force inside Gaza is premature. I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments about Hamas and for what he said about deploring all the things that Hamas have done—I agree with him about that. He sets out the scale of humanitarian need. Throughout this urgent question, I have been setting out how Britain is, along with our allies, seeking to help move the dial to get more aid and support into Gaza and get the hostages out.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
The unfolding famine is entirely man-made and is being used as a weapon of war by Israel. It is a war crime, and those who continue to support that collective punishment and deny aid are complicit in this unfolding tragedy. Last week, Janez Lenarčič, head of humanitarian aid and crisis management at the European Commission, said that neither he nor any other UNRWA donor had been presented by Israel with any evidence of UNRWA involvement in the 7 October attacks. When the International Development Committee visited northern Egypt recently and spoke to the head of UNRWA, they also had no evidence, so my question is very simple: has the Minister been presented with any evidence to support his decision to pause the UK’s life-or-death funding to UNRWA?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will have seen the evidence that has been put before the international community, and will know that it was sufficiently strong for the head of UNRWA to immediately act against some of his officials. On all these matters, tomorrow we will hear the interim report from Catherine Colonna, the former French Foreign Minister. We look forward to studying that report when we have a chance to read it, in the hope that it will take matters forward.
Stella Creasy
Lab Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
As the Minister will be aware, thousands across Israel have protested in opposition to the approach that Prime Minister Netanyahu is taking, including the hostage families—they know that the situation in Gaza will not help release their family members. People in Israel see what is happening to the Palestinians; they hear the words of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who has said today that what is happening and Israel’s continuing restrictions on aid 'may amount to the use of starvation as a method of war'. He is explicit about that and the concerns that it raises. I understand the Minister telling us that he does not want to make policy from the Dispatch Box, but will he tell us whether he has sought explicit legal advice on the question of whether Israel is now committing a war crime in its use of starvation—yes or no?
Minister reply
We are always in receipt of legal advice, and we act on it. When we receive it, we take the necessary steps, as the hon. Lady would expect.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
The IPC report published today shows that one in three children under two years old in the north of Gaza is now acutely malnourished. In February, that figure was one in six. This month, people of Muslim faith across the world will be observing Ramadan. The situation in Gaza is dire and urgent, so will the Minister call for an immediate ceasefire to ensure that no civilian goes hungry, malnourished or without medical support in Gaza?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman and I both share the desire that people should not go hungry in Gaza. That is why the Government, along with our allies, are working so hard to get more food in. We will continue to do everything we possibly can to make sure that the suffering that has been so eloquently set out by Members from all parts of the House is brought to an end as soon as possible.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
Does the deliberate starvation of a civilian population constitute a war crime—yes or no?
Minister reply
There would be, I think, very serious doubt about the term ‘deliberate starvation’, so I am unable to give a yes or no answer to the hon. Lady’s question.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
We all know that behind Hamas sits the malign power of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The same is true of Hezbollah and the Houthis. With the Foreign Secretary having been in post for five months, can the Minister update the House on what progress has been made on proscribing the IRGC?
Minister reply
As the right hon. Lady knows, the issue of proscription is not one that we discuss on the Floor of the House, but the arguments for and against are kept under very close review by the Government and will continue to be kept under review.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
To deal with the grave and worsening humanitarian crisis for the sake of the dying children and innocent civilians as Palestinians desperately try to survive and observe the holy month of Ramadan, it is imperative that both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire, which is what I recently voted for in Parliament. Aid in huge quantities is critical, and any attempts by the Israeli Government to block it must be condemned, so what are the UK Government doing to achieve an immediate ceasefire, get hostages released, and put pressure on the Israeli Government to allow unimpeded aid into Gaza?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will have seen the words of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary about the absolute imperative of getting more aid and humanitarian supplies into Gaza. I have answered the point about an immediate ceasefire on a number of occasions over the past hour and a quarter.
Andrew Bridgen
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Hamas’s cold-blooded murder of at least 1,300 Israeli civilians on 7 October was truly abhorrent, but sadly, those horrific numbers are now dwarfed by the number of innocents of all faiths who have had their lives taken away from them in Gaza. I welcome the fact that the Government are moving on their position, but I believe they are going to have to move further and faster to prevent a catastrophe and further loss of innocent lives. The Minister has stated that the International Court of Justice ruling is binding; will he inform the House how that ruling can be enforced?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman’s point about the Government moving on their policy is not true. Basically, the Government have made it clear throughout that we will do everything we possibly can to achieve a pause, so that we can help get the hostages out and food and support into Gaza.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
The head of the UN, António Guterres, the head of security policy for the EU, Josep Borrell, and multiple accounts on the BBC have all indicated that famine is under way. The Minister has repeatedly said this afternoon that he is moving the dial, and that the Government are doing everything they can. My constituents would like to understand how he is doing absolutely everything he can and how he is showing leadership to ensure that all routes are opened by Israel and that we avoid further human catastrophe. Can he explain that in very practical terms?
Minister reply
I have set out for the House the work that we are doing, in respect of both the maritime corridor and supporting food and medical supplies delivered from the air.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
I am absolutely clear that the hostages must be released. I also emphasise that the situation in Gaza has worsened drastically, and my constituents do not understand why it continues. The US Senate majority leader and EU foreign policy chief have criticised Netanyahu's Government as a barrier to peace and Israel for provoking famine. Will the Minister clearly state that it is unacceptable for Israel to prevent aid from entering Gaza? What demands are being made of Israel?
Minister reply
The Government, along with allies, are doing everything possible to stop the situation continuing. The UK seeks various ways to alleviate suffering in Gaza.
Question
Children in Gaza are dying at an unprecedented rate according to IPC reports. Instead of criticising Israel, the Government refuse to sign UN resolutions and sell arms to Israel. They propose bypassing Israeli blockade by air or sea which is ineffective. Can the Minister provide legal advice on whether Israel's hindering aid violates international law?
Minister reply
The current legal advice states that Israel has both capacity and will to abide by international humanitarian law, though this could change based on future legal assessments.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Half the population in Gaza faces famine for the first time in modern history. Given that abiding by international law is imperative, can the Minister clarify what exactly Britain's efforts are to ameliorate this situation?
Minister reply
Britain, along with allies, is doing everything possible to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to ameliorate suffering in Gaza.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
UNRWA is vital in delivering aid under the current blockade. With funding ending at the end of April, how will the Minister ensure continuous funding for UNRWA? Will the Government urgently resume funding?
Minister reply
Funding resumption depends on reports from former French Foreign Minister and United Nations; the Government will do everything possible to advance the case for resuming funding.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Prime Minister Netanyahu plans an operation in Rafah which may lead to civilian deaths, further impeding aid. How is the Minister using ICJ and sanctions to stop such operations? Is the UK aligned with Chuck Schumer, President Biden or Prime Minister Netanyahu?
Minister reply
The Government are working closely with American Administration; urging Israeli Government to grant UN visas swiftly.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Question
One million people face famine. Israel has a legal obligation as an occupying power to provide food and water to Gazans. Does the Minister agree that Israeli Government must allow full reopening of land bridges into Gaza, renew visas for humanitarian workers? Are UK policies aligned with US leaders?
Minister reply
The Government seek sustainable ceasefire, hostages released, and two-state solution; urging aid distribution.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Question
Famine is imminent in Gaza. Concerns exist over starvation being used as a tactic by Israeli Government. What will it take for the UK to stop weapons sales and press for unimpeded aid, UNRWA funding restoration and sanctions?
Minister reply
Government focus on humanitarian pause to get resources into Gaza and hostages released.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
Question
We need immediate ceasefire, surge in aid, hostage release, lasting peace with two-state solution. Can the Minister detail UK efforts for food and aid distribution in Gaza?
Minister reply
Aiming for humanitarian pause to allow resource distribution and secure borders for future settlement.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Thanking Minister's answers, can he outline UK aid provided to use arable land in Gaza for community food production? Can Parliament do more for self-sustaining aid?
Minister reply
Arable land use takes back seat now due to conditions but will be part of future reconstruction and settlement.
Olivia Blake
Lab
Sheffield Hallam
Question
Over 1 million people in northern Gaza are on the verge of famine, and aid groups are issuing dire warnings of catastrophic levels of hunger and man-made starvation. Just last week, the UN reported that humanitarian aid is being denied or postponed by Israeli authorities. We are not powerless—this Government can and should take action—so what else can the Government do to lobby the Israeli Government on allowing more aid to enter Gaza as a matter of urgency? Do Ministers agree that we need a ceasefire now, and that is the best way to get the release of hostages?
Minister reply
I set out to the House and for the hon. Lady the issues around a ceasefire, and why it is the view of the Government and many others that a pause for humanitarian purposes could lead to a sustainable ceasefire. That is the sensible way to proceed. She asks what more the British Government and others could be doing. I submit that Britain is doing everything it possibly can to achieve aims that are commonly held across this House: bringing an end to the situation in Gaza; getting the hostages home; and getting aid and support into Gaza. I reassure the hon. Lady and the House that we will continue to do everything we can, night and day, until we reach those objectives.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister criticised the insufficient aid flows despite ample availability, highlighting that only half of January's aid reached Gaza in February. He urged the Minister to declare Israel's obligation under International Court of Justice orders as binding and questioned compliance with these obligations. Concerned about Netanyahu's approval for an offensive against Rafah, he asked how the Government would prevent this disaster. The Shadow Minister also called for a humanitarian ceasefire.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.